Rising star on the track and Delaware native Faison to take on Monster Mile Friday

Friday

Sep 28, 2012 at 2:53 AMSep 28, 2012 at 1:45 PM

On Friday, Seaford native C.J. Faison will participate in the American Real TV 150, for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, which is the top development level of NASCAR.

By: Mike Santa Barbara

Race fans, local and traveling, will descend upon Dover Downs Speedway for this weekend's NASCAR events at the Monster Mile.

On Friday, Seaford native C.J. Faison will participate in the American Real TV 150, for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, which is the top development level of NASCAR.

We caught up with C.J. to get his thoughts on coming back home again, Friday's race, and how he became one of NASCAR's rising young stars.

Faison, 19 grew up in Seaford, and first became interested in racing at an early age due to his father's interest in the sport.

"I've been racing since I was about four and a half years old," said Faison. "My father raced, and he was a pretty good driver who taught me a lot of important fundamentals. It was a great thing to have as a young kid, you always want to do what your dad does, and we both share the same passion for racing.

While his father encouraged his interest in racing, he may not have thought C.J.'s journey would start with go-karts and progress all the way to NASCAR development series in 15 short years.

"Really, I just saw my dad out there racing and I thought I wanted to start racing," said Faison. "He called my bluff and here we are."

At the start of the week it wasn't clear if C.J. would be making a triumphant return home to race in front of family and friends at Dover on Friday.

Last week, C.J. was involved in a nasty wreck in New Hampshire. Due to NASCAR policy, C.J. had to be evaluated to make sure he did not suffer a concussion or any other serious head injuries.

"Yeah, NASCAR wanted me to take some tests to make sure I'm not wacko in the head or anything," joked Faison. "Just went for my test (Wednesday), but I'm more than 90 percent sure I'll be fine."

This season, C.J. has entered the year with a new crew chief, Mark McFarland. McFarland is a former Nationwide Series driver, with a great reputation as a crew chief.

"He's doing a really good job," said Faison. "We've meshed from the beginning; hit it off right off the bat."

With McFarland's help, C.J. hopes to rise through the ranks of NASCAR to compete on Sunday's next to one of the drivers he admires most, Kevin Harvick.

"I really look up to Kevin Harvick," said Faison. "I've always looked up to him for replacing Dale Earnhardt, and how he carried himself in such a tough situation."

At 19 years old, it's hard to fathom the kind of pressures that come with success in the racing industry. Faison has embraced it and even started up a few businesses on the side.

C.J. owns JMI Motorsports in Mooresville, NC where they make specialized shock absorbers for race cars. Faison also finds time to run a website design company, as well.

"Yeah, I've started two businesses," said Faison. "I have my own website design company and JMI which makes car shocks; they both keep me kind of busy."

While this won't be C.J.'s first trip back home to race in front of family and friends, Faison is still overwhelmed by the support he receives in Delaware.

"It's really an honor if you ask me," said Faison. "You have everyone looking up to you which means an awful lot. All the fan support when I come home is absolutely awesome."

C.J. has accomplished more than most at 19 years old, his determination and spirit serve as an inspiration to young people everywhere. Though, a trip to the winner's circle on Friday would make his return home all the more gratifying.